Review of Supplemental Views and Stress Radiography in Musculoskeletal Trauma: Lower Extremity

The standard radiographic series is not always sufficient to diagnose and characterize subtle musculoskeletal injuries. Missed or delayed diagnoses can negatively affect patient acute morbidity and long-term outcomes. Similarly, management based on erroneous diagnoses may lead to unnecessary treatment and restrictions. Body-part- or joint-specific supplemental radiographic views and stress radiography offer an alternative for further evaluation of subtle injuries in specific clinical situations and may obviate the need for the added cost and potential ionizing radiation exposure of further cross-sectional imaging. Familiarity with these complementary exams allows radiologists to play an important role in patient care, as their utilization can improve diagnostic accuracy, clarify subtle or uncertain findings, and direct timely patient management. This review highlights important supplemental views and stress radiographic examinations useful in the evaluation of emergent lower extremity musculoskeletal trauma.